Moving into the 2018 Plumbing and Electrical Awards category, we focus on a group of tools that have very specific jobs they’re designed to do. While most of the hand tools aren’t likely to scare your budget manager, many of the cordless tools in our list are very expensive. They’re also the best in the business and have the ability to completely change the way you do your job, saving you time and money while making the job safer. Here are your PTIA Award Winners for the 2018 Plumbing and Electrical Awards!
Winner – VDV Crimpers
Klein VDV226-110 Pass-Thru Modular Crimper
What they said:
The Pass-Thru Modular Crimper stands out in the industry as an all-in-one tool that cuts, strips, and crimps twisted pair cables (STP/UTP) with ease. It crimps RJ11/RJ12 standard modular connectors and crimps and trims Klein Tools RJ45 Pass-Thru Connectors. Cable parameters are 28-22 AWG flat or round, solid, or stranded telephone and data.
Tradespeople save time and increase productivity when they don’t have to switch back and forth between crimpers, cutters, and strippers. Klein Tools designed the Pass-Thru Modular Crimper to provide fast, efficient, and reliable connections for voice, data, and video installations. Cables easily pass through the connector for consistent and secure terminations. The trademarked Klein Tools Pass-Thru technology significantly reduces prep work time with a flush-cut wire trimming blade, and the on-tool wiring guide helps to minimize wiring errors.
The Pass-Thru Modular Crimper’s full-cycle ratchet mechanism ensures complete connector termination. In addition, the crimper trims flush to the end-face of the connector to eliminate unintended contact between conductors. For added comfort, the crimper is covered in rubber grips. You’ll get over 2,000 cuts with its durable, heat-treated blades.
What we say:
Pass-through crimpers have revolutionized VDV terminations—particularly for tedious RJ45. Our installers love the fact that the Klein VDV226-110 Pass-Thru Modular Crimper tackles its three functions with ease and effectiveness. With Klein’s ratcheting design, you don’t have to worry about leaving a crimp loose, requiring you to redo the install or risk a callback. And the tool genuinely makes the job faster, so your crew is more productive.
Price: $67
For more information, click here.
Winner – VDV Punchdown
Milwaukee VDV Punchdown
What they said: 
Punchdown tools are used to terminate Cat 5 and Cat 6 wires. Often, users must carry a separate flashlight and navigate tight workspaces to complete this type of work. The Milwaukee Punchdown Tool features a patent-pending integrated LED light as well as a long-reach punchdown blade for precision and accuracy. Finally, an ergonomic grip improves user comfort.
What we say:
Milwaukee’s Punchdown Tool is one of those “Why didn’t I think of that first?” kind of tools. It’s all well and good when you can see what you’re doing with an overhead light. But plenty of punchdown jobs take place in closets or other areas with little to no lighting. For those times, Milwaukee gives you a light on your punchdown tool, so you don’t have to manage a flashlight in your mouth. They also give you a long reach blade and more comfortable grip.
Price: $79.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Wire Strippers
Southwire SNM1214HD Forged Wire Strippers
What they said:
Built to outlast traditional stamped wire strippers, this new forged wire stripper is built for reliability. Plus, it strips 14/2 and 12/2 Romex. Also included are integrated screw shears, new tether-ready comfort grips, a steel body lock, and a scalloped shearing blade for clean cuts. Precision ground and polished wire stripping holes ensure, quick clean stripping of all wires, while the precise rivet allows for smooth opening/closing operation from start to finish. The new strippers are backed by a lifetime no-hassle warranty.
What we say:
What’s your favorite characteristic of stamped wire strippers – the general weakness of the jaws or when they start sliding over each other? Southwire leaves those models to the DIY crowd with their new Forged Wire Stripper. Southwire isn’t the only one going this direction, but our electricians love the Romex-specific design that strips 14/2 to 12/2 Romex with ease.
Price: $30.58
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Wire Crimpers
Milwaukee 2679-22 M18 FORCE LOGIC 600 MCM Cu/350 MCM Al Crimper
What they said:
Electricians often use large, clunky, and heavy crimpers to splice or terminate electrical connections. The accuracy of crimp alignment is a key component of crimp integrity. Current crimpers are challenging to align because they’re so front-heavy, often requiring two people to ensure proper crimp placement. Through a proprietary jaw design, the Milwaukee 600 MCM Crimper easily holds connectors for instant alignment, resulting in accurate and fast initial crimps. The inline design and easy open jaws improve accuracy and speed of subsequent crimps as they can easily open the jaws with just the press of a thumb, a superior process for a single user.
What we say:
While we couldn’t possibly spell out all of the innovative benefits of Milwaukee’s M18 Force Logic 600 MCM Cu/350 MCM Al Crimper in this space, two things really stand out. First, compatibility with the ONE-KEY system ensures accurate tracking of completed crimps and notification of scheduled maintenance. Second, there’s improvement in the crimping process itself. The hydraulic Predictive Force Monitoring system starts the crimp fast and then backs off to produce the exact amount of force needed. This results in both a fast and accurate user experience.
Price: $2,600
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Wire Cutters
Milwaukee 2776R-21 M18 FORCE LOGIC 3″ Underground Cable Cutter w/Wireless Remote
What they said:
Due to the potential for Arc Flash, Linemen cut any potentially live cable remotely. When the situation calls for these types of cuts, Linemen have had to use methods such as hydraulic pumps and hot sticks that still maintain a physical connection between the user and the cut zone. The Milwaukee 2776R-21 M18 FORCE LOGIC 3″ Underground Cable Cutter w/Wireless Remote is the most technically advanced underground cutter, creating a safer cutting process for linemen.
What we say:
Linemen have families that want them to come home after the shift is over. When the potential for arc flash exists, safety is paramount. Milwaukee’s M18 FORCE LOGIC Underground Cable Cutter with Wireless Remote allows linemen to cut up to 1500MCM Copper from a safe distance. Only after activating a remote does the cutter penetrate to contact the metal cable. Thanks to ONE-KEY technology, you’ll also get feedback on maintenance schedules and diagnostics while syncing data to the cloud.
Price: $3,800
For more information, click here.
Winner – Knockout/Punch Tools
Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC 6T Knockout Tool
What they said:
When Milwaukee introduced their Knockout System in 2014 they brought a fresh perspective to hole-making, essentially redefining the entire process to promote better ease of use and productivity. The 10-Ton tool gave a wide range of commercial and industrial users the speed, hole quality and capacity they needed. But because that range was so wide, it became increasingly important to provide an optimized compact solution for the breadth of applications that service and MRO professionals deal with which require maneuverability. The addition of the 6-Ton solution, 40% lighter than their 10-Ton offering, provides these users with a reliable tool that they can easily navigate within these tight spaces and deliver the capacity to punch up to 4″ holes in 14 gauge mild steel.
What we say:
While you can use heavy-duty tools for light- and medium-duty applications, there are some cases where light, more compact tools are more desirable. That’s certainly the case with knockout tools. Milwaukee has responded by bringing their M18 FORCE LOGIC technology into a more compact 6T tool. This knockout tool shaves off the weight and still gives you up to 4″ capacity. It will save your arms and cover the majority of knockout needs for MRO crews and residential electricians.
Price: $999
For more information, click here.
Winner – Pipe Cutters
Milwaukee 48-22-4263 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter Set
What they said:
When Milwaukee launched a lineup of copper tubing cutters in 2018, they focused on delivering solutions with the very best durability and cut performance in the industry. They’ve further enhanced this line by giving users another option when they need to make cuts in the tightest spaces. No matter if you prefer the adjustability of the original Mini and Constant Swing Copper Tubing Cutters, or the even more compact nature of the new Close Quarters Tubing Cutters, Milwaukee has a range of solutions to accommodate the most common sizes of tubing.
What we say:
We like Milwaukee’s Constant Swing Copper Tubing Cutter and the Mini, but sometimes we’re still struggling in tight spaces. So now Milwaukee is giving us even an even more compact set of options to get the job done. You still get chrome rollers to keep the durability high and weep holes which allow water to drain before it can do more damage. These are available in 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ sizes along with a 3-piece kit option.
Price: $49.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Drain Snakes
Husky 25ft Power Drum Auger
What they said:
This Husky 25-foot power drum auger can be used manually for simple clogs or powered by a drill to tackle tough clogs. The auger is designed with a center-balanced pistol grip for increased control and comfortable operation. Also, the power drum auger’s quick-release cable lock provides fast, simple, and secure cable adjustments. The drum housing is made from a durable high-impact resistant polymer.
What we say:
Every homeowner should have a drain snake on hand to clear smaller pipes like kitchen and bathroom sinks. Husky gives you a sub-$25 option that you can use manually or with a drill to clear clogs for much less than a call to your local plumber will cost you.
Price: $24.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Drain Augers
Husky 15′ Drain Auger
What they said:
The Husky 15-foot drain auger is made from high quality, rust resistant spring wire for excellent flexibility in tight bends. It comes in a high-impact caddy for easy, durable storage. The auger design provides maximum thrusting action, even through strainer crossbars. Husky added large ergonomic grip handles for added comfort and they store easily on the top of the auger caddy.
What we say:
For the same reason you need a drain snake for smaller pipes, you need a drain auger to clear larger pipes, like your toilet. Husky makes sure that it has enough strength to get the job done and delivers it for a great price—just $7.97.
Price: $7.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Drain Snakes
Milwaukee M18 FUEL SWITCH PACK Sectional Drum System
What they said:
The most frequent challenges of any drain cleaning application are simply getting the machine to the job and then containing the mess. No machine today is capable of tackling both those challenges. Drum machines improve mess containment by housing the cable in a drum while sectional machines separate the cable from the machine for a lightweight alternative. Neither option, however, fully meets the needs of the Pro user. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL SWITCH PACK Sectional Drum System is the first solution that tackles those most fundamental frustrations. The tool’s modular design with backpack straps provides easy transport, and the fully-enclosed drum is the best option for containing the mess. This provides unparalleled productivity for drain cleaning professionals.
What we say:
When the job calls for something more powerful than a standard drain snake, you call in the big boys. Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL SWITCH PACK makes it easy for Pros with cordless convenience and an incredibly helpful backpack design that lets you climb without losing the use of your hands. Since it runs on an M18 battery, it also keeps you from having to drag an extension cord along. Milwaukee also made the drum section removable, so you can have several snake/auger setups ready to go on one power source.
Price: $750-$1400
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Cordless PEX Expanders
Milwaukee 2633-22HD M18 FORCE LOGIC 2″-3″ ProPEX Expansion Tool
What they said:
The M18 FORCE LOGIC 2”-3” ProPEX Expansion Tool joins the M12 and M18 ProPEX Expansion Tools to deliver the industry’s most consistent commercial installations. Its powerful hydraulic system expands up to 3” Uponor PEX pipe. Like its M12 and M18 predecessors, it features an auto-rotating head that expands pipe uniformly and maximizes installation speed. A single trigger pull initiates the tool to rotate, expand, and reset automatically, ensuring consistency across the entire installation. Its intelligent design provides the user optimum balance in overhead connections and can also be flipped over to sit squarely on a table-top for extended use on-site or in the shop. Featuring Milwaukee ONE-KEY Technology, the tool can be tracked to within a 100-foot range of any phone. You can also view tool usage, receive notifications for recommended maintenance, and sync information wirelessly to the cloud.
What we say:
When you have large diameter PEX installations, life gets a bit tougher than your typical single-family residential install. Milwaukee’s M18 Force Logic ProPex Expander covers 2″ – 3″ PEX installations with automatic head rotation to ensure you get an even expansion. One-Key integration helps you keep track of your tool while keeping your maintenance schedule in check.
Price: $2,500
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Press Tools
Ridgid RP 241 12V Cordless Press Tool
What they said:
Smaller, lighter, and now connected through RIDGID Link, the RIDGID RP 241 Press Tool is the next generation inline press tool. It comes in 25 percent smaller and 10 percent lighter than its predecessor. The lightweight, compact design also helps minimize fatigue, maximize productivity, and enables making connections in hard to reach areas. RIDGID also offers the only compact press tools and jaws that can make connections on copper, stainless steel, black steel, and PEX.
The RP 241 comes standard with a 12V battery that provides over 140 crimps per charge. That’s more crimps than contractors need per day—and more than 2x the crimps per charge versus the top competitor. It weighs 7.4 pounds, with battery and jaws. At 15.8 inches the tool stands 12 percent shorter in length than the prior model. The RP 241 easily connects to RIDGID Link, a new mobile platform, providing users with data on crimps, service history and more. Other innovative features of the RP 241 are 180-degree head rotation-allowing contractors to access difficult to reach areas. A bolt sensor also detects if the jaw is properly inserted into the tool, helping to ensure a quality press. It is compatible with all prior RIDGID compact series jaws and attachments.
What we say:
Ridgid makes some improvements on their RP241 Press Tool by making it lighter with a smaller footprint than the previous model. But what has our plumbers really excited is just how many materials it works on. Copper, stainless steel, black steel, and PEX are all on the menu with a single tool.
Price: $2,199
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Plumbing Accessories
Ridgid Press Booster for use with Viega MegaPress XL Fittings
What they said:
The RIDGID Press Booster for use with Viega MegaPress XL fittings is the first and only tool on the market that lets contractors press black iron pipe between 2.5” and 4”. It builds on the power of the RIDGID RP 340, attaching to the tool to multiply its output for fast connections on larger diameter pipe.
RIDGID heard from contractors that they wanted to leverage the current Standard Tool platform to make press connections on black iron pipe over 2”. The result—in partnership with Viega—is the Press Booster. The tool makes press connections on 2.5”, 3”, and 4” Schedule 5-40 Black Iron Pipe in under 25 seconds. Welding those same connections can take over 30 minutes.
The Press Booster not only saves time and enhances efficiency, but also minimizes system downtime and labor costs by enabling work to be completed on wet systems and eliminating the need for hot work permits and staff. Simply attach the Press Booster to the end of the RP 340, press the trigger on the tool three times, and users have a secure press connection. Hard-to-reach angles are a breeze with an actuator that can rotate 180-degrees on the press ring.
What we say:
Ridgid’s RP 340 gets a boost to give it the compression you need to press black pipe from 2-1/2″ – 4″, and it’s the only system on the market to do so. Working with Viega MegaPress XL fittings, the press connection takes less than 30 seconds to complete with a heck of a lot less effort on the part of your team. If black pipe in on your plate, this is an investment you’ll want to seriously consider.
Price: $4,599
For more information, click here.
Winner – Specialty Plumbing
Milwaukee M12 AIRSNAKE Drain Cleaning Air Gun
What they said:
One of the most time-consuming parts of the drain-cleaning process is the preparation to start the job, which often includes the tedious step of disassembling the fixture to access the clog. The M12 AIRSNAKE gives users the ability to clear a clog without disassembling a trap or struggling through tight bends with a cable, providing a new level of productivity to drain-cleaning professionals.
What we say:
The Milwaukee AIRSNAKE Drain Cleaning Air Gun is an ingenious solution for grease-based clogs. By shooting a controlled burst of air down a fully sealed drain, you pop the clog loose and let gravity do the rest. Calls that used to take an hour take just a few minutes since there’s no disassembly of the drain required. You can also dial in the pressure to ensure that you don’t damage more delicate piping and connections.
Price: $399
For more information, click here.